Contestants Challenge Election Process Of Jharkhand State Bar Council

Contestants have alleged that Bar Council of India (BCI) rules were not observed in the Jharkhand State Bar Council (JSBC) elections held on March 15 and have demanded notification of fresh date.

The election for JSBC members held last month saw a very large participation of voters. The counting process began on March 19 and is continuing till now.

Meanwhile, several contestants namely Ahman Hussian Ansari, Dhaneshwar Mahto, Meghnath Rawani and Basudeo Pandey sent a letter to the secretary BCI in the first week of April claiming that as per the rules, a retired high court judge has to be appointed as returning officer for election adding that this practice was not followed. The contestants alleged that the counting process was also being managed in favor of certain contestants.

They requested BCI to stop the counting process and notify a fresh date of the election for JSBC.

The issue was heard in the election tribunal of BCI on Friday. One of the petitioners Meghnath Rawai said the tribunal has asked the JSBC to explain its stand on the allegations on the next date of hearing on May 2. He added that the BCI officials have assured that the election results would not be notified before the issue are resolved. Rawani said he approached the BCI after his appeal at the state level was not accepted.

The secretary of JSBC, Rajesh Pandey said that he was aware of such petition being filed with the BCI but added that his organization has yet to receive a formal directive in this regard.